In memory of Art Shay

April 30, 2018
4:11 pm

Kartemquin is deeply saddened by the passing of Art Shay, one the country's most renowned photographers who snapped countless celebrities and pivotal moments of the 20th century. Shay graciously shared his photos of the 1963 Chicago Public Schools Boycott with the filmmaking team of our 2017 film '63 Boycott. The filmmakers of '63 Boycott posted the videos to the film's website, where individuals could identify themselves or other participants as members of the protest.

"Art was the premiere photographer in Chicago. We had both filmed the 1963 Chicago Public Schools Boycott, and over the last few years we got to know each other well. He will be missed greatly, but his work lives on as part of the legacy of the city," said Gordon Quinn, Artistic Director and co-founder of Kartemquin Films.

Shay attended the world premiere of '63 Boycott at the Chicago International Film Festival in 2017. One of Shay's photos ultimately became the film's poster image, pictured below: